The decision was taken after around 20 opposition Members of Parliament stood up and requested that an urgent parliamentary debate be held. When the Speaker sought the views of the ruling party on the request, Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Ratnayake, stated that he did not agree to the debate. He further noted that he would be prepared to proceed with a vote on the relevant matter if necessary.
Following this response, opposition MPs began expressing their objections, which led to a heated exchange inside the House. As the situation escalated, Parliament was adjourned for 10 minutes.
2026.06.23
Honorable Speaker
Parliament of Sri Lanka
Request for an adjournment motion to discuss a matter of urgent public importance under Standing Order 19(1)
The current vacancies in the institutions of justice have created serious practical problems in the efficient, independent and orderly performance of the functions of those institutions. As a result, the backlog of cases and delays in trial have increased, and the lack of justice and fairness to the people within the stipulated time has become a significant crisis. This situation also adversely affects public confidence in the justice system, and it is gradually developing into a serious social problem.
Therefore, it is proposed that this be considered a very urgent and priority matter, and that a debate be held in Parliament on the vacancies in the institutions that administer justice, the delays in cases, and the structural and administrative problems that have caused them, and that necessary steps be taken to implement prompt and effective solutions to those problems.
